Dundee United reject Derby County’s offer for Johnny Russell

Johnny Russell’s days at Dundee United appear to be numbered after Derby County became the latest club to bid for the in-demand striker.

United chairman Stephen Thompson knocked the Rams’ offer back but he did concede that Russell will be sold this summer if the Tangerines’ valuation is met.

Derby are one of three English Championship clubs tracking the Scotland squad man, who still has a year to run on his Tannadice contract but has told them he won’t be renewing it.

The Tangerines, perhaps understandably, will now look to cash in on their prize asset.

As well as the English trio, Celtic have kept a constant watch on Russell and remain very much in contention for his signature, while Italian team Catania had an offer of just over £500,0000 turned down in April.

Thompson said: “We have a player with a year to go on a contract who is a saleable asset. If he is not going to renew his contract then, ultimately, we should be trying to maximise the value of that asset.

“There has been an English club who has made a bid. It is not quite what we would like and others have spoken to us.”